Fruit flies of the tribe Dacini (Tephritidae: Diptera) are major pests of global horticulture, causing significant economic losses despite extensive management efforts. Current biorational control relies largely on male-specific parapheromones, limiting effectiveness against females. Here, we report the first evidence of interspecific communal roosting in Asian Dacini, involving six Bactrocera species (B. cucurbitae, B. zahadi, B. diversa, B. scutellaris, B. caudata, and B. yoshimotoi) observed in bamboo plantations of Himachal Pradesh, India. Large mixed-sex aggregations formed during winter, with flies repeatedly returning to roost sites after disturbance and exhibiting proctodeal tropholaxis. All species belonged to the Zeugodacus subgenus group, suggesting phylogenetic constraints. We hypothesize that interspecific aggregation is mediated by unidentified allelochemicals, herein termed “requiemones,” facilitating communication among ecologically similar species. This discovery provides new insights into fruit fly behavioral ecology and offers potential for developing novel, more inclusive biorational pest management strategies targeting both sexes. Keywords Inter-specific roosts, Allelochemicals, Fruit flies, Dacini, Bactrocera and bio-rational Pest management.
Sachet-based release systems represent an innovative approach to integrated pest management (IPM) that has gained significant adoption in greenhouse and protected cultivation systems worldwide. These systems utilise specialised packages to deliver biocontrol agents, particularly predatory mites, in a controlled and sustained manner for managing key agricultural pests, including thrips, whiteflies and spider mites. This review synthesises evidence from 30 peer-reviewed publications examining sachet technologies, their mechanisms, efficacy and applications in both international and Indian contexts. Sachet systems offer distinct advantages over conventional pest management methods, including prolonged predator establishment, protection from intra-guild predation, reduced labour requirements and compatibility with integrated pest management strategies. Multiple sachet types have been developed, including slow-release, breeding, sheltered and moisturised sachets, each optimised for specific environmental conditions and target pests. Key biocontrol agents deployed through sachets include Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus and Typhlodromips swirskii, which effectively suppress populations of Frankliniella occidentalis (western flower thrips), Tetranychus urticae (two-spotted spider mite), Bemisia tabaci (whitefly) and related pest species. Despite demonstrated efficacy in controlled environments, challenges remain regarding environmental sensitivity, cost-effectiveness for small stakeholder farmers and adaptation to diverse cropping systems. In India, the adoption of sachet-based systems is gradually increasing in protected cultivation; however, research development and commercial availability still lag behind global standards. Overall, sachet-based bioagent delivery systems show strong potential as sustainable alternatives to conventional pest management approaches. Keywords: Neoseiulus cucumeris, Amblyseius swirskii, Neoseiulus californicus, Bio control, Management
Large community mobilization or social engineering approach transforms insect pest management programmes into a coordinated, sustainable, ecosystem-based strategy, ensuring long-term crop protection, environmental safety, and economic stability, especially for agriculture‑based communities. Considering the importance of community mobilization, the All India Network Project on Soil Arthropod Pests, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat Centre has embraced "Group Approach of Extension Management" to tackle white grub menace in Majuli river island of Assam during 2010-2023. As a part of the mass campaigning and awareness programme the project team planned and executed a “National Record” achievement of “Most Beetles Collected in 3 Hours”, by collecting 73,700 white grub beetles in collaboration with 100 farmers at Maharichuk Village, Majuli, on 9th April 2018. The impact analysis of this record revealed that this mass campaigning programme based on group approach of extension mostly targeting the flood and erosion affected farmers in Majuli had a tremendous impact in terms of protecting the crops, disseminating ecofriendly technologies, enhancing crop productivity as well as improving both livelihood and nutritional security. Keywords: Scarabaeidae, Lepidiota mansueta, Farmers Participatory Approach, Impact assessment
Naphthalene produced by M. vitigenus was found to be behaviorally active and acts as a repellent against Cephus cinctus (wheat stem sawfly). Volatiles from M. albus caused high mortality in adults of the potato tuber moth and reduced larval development. The volatile compound, 1-octen-3-ol was lethal to male Drosophila flies which reduced survival and locomotor performance in both male and female while exhibiting strong repellency against adults of red flour beetle. Volatiles such as 2-methyl-1-butanol, 3-methyl-1-butanol and 2-phenylethanol produced by A. pullulans were found to attract beneficial predators (hoverflies) and pollinators (sweat bees). Additionally, 2-cyclohepten-1-one and 1, 3-dimethoxy-benzene were identified as effective repellents against adults of banana black weevil. The bacterial mVOCs (produced by M. morganii and C. freundii) attracted Cyclocephala species while ethenyl benzene and benzothiazole from B. bassiana were effective repellents of female red palm weevil. Sucking pests of cotton are effectively managed by the attractant formulations, which increase the attraction efficiency rather than the use of yellow sticky trap. Furthermore, the mVOCs produced by S. vini were the most effective in attracting female D. suzukii followed by those from H. uvarum. Key words: mVOCs, fungal mVOCs, bacterial mVOCs, yeast mVOCs, C. cinctus, wheat stem sawfly, Drosophila flies, red flour beetle, hoverflies and sweat bees, banana black weevil, M. morganii and C. freundii, B. bassiana, red palm weevil, attractant formulations, yellow sticky trap, S. vini, D. suzukii, H. uvarum
Xenerianthus affinis (Westwood, 1843) was originally described from “Assam,” however, the absence of a precise locality, coupled with subsequent geopolitical changes, has rendered its occurrence in present‑day Assam uncertain. The present study provides the first confirmed, voucher-based record of the species from Assam based on specimens collected in 2025 from Garbhanga Reserve Forest, Kamrup (Metropolitan) district. A total of three specimens (two males and one female) were collected, preserved, and identified through detailed morphological examination using standard taxonomic keys and literature. Diagnostic characters and morphometric analyses confirmed the identity of the species. Earlier reports from Assam, particularly those linked to Sylhet during the British colonial period, are biogeographically ambiguous and therefore cannot be regarded as reliable evidence of its presence within the current administrative boundaries of the state. This record resolves a long-standing distributional uncertainty and confirms the presence of X. affinis in Assam, contributing to a clearer understanding of its range in northeastern India.
Sesamum orientale (sesame) and Ricinus communis (castor) are two economically important oilseed crops cultivated in the northern region of Bihar, including the Tirhut division, where Muzaffarpur district is located. These crops provide substantial economic returns to farmers. Both crops are entomophilic, with honey bees serving as the primary pollinators. Two species, Apis mellifera and Apis florea, are commonly found in this region, and their foraging activities contribute significantly to pollination. Environmental factors such as temperature, relative humidity, and photoperiod influence the relative abundance of these honey bee species and, consequently, crop yield. The present study revealed that the relative abundance of these bees exhibits a clear diurnal pattern, increasing during the morning hours, peaking around noon, and declining thereafter. Furthermore, the abundance of both species showed a highly significant positive correlation with temperature, whereas a non-significant negative correlation was observed between the population of Apis florea and relative humidity. Key words: relative abundance, relative humidity, entomophilic, diurnal variation, honey bees
A study was conducted to identify the aphid species infesting isabgol (Plantago ovata Forskel) at Medical and Aromatic Plant Research Station, Anand Agricultural University, Anand, Gujarat. A field survey in January, 2026 isabgol plants were found infested by aphid. Both nymphs and adults were found colonizing the plant stems and tender shoots, particularly during the flowering stage. Heavy infestation resulted in weakening of plants and a noticeable reduction in seed setting. The aphids were found forming dense colonies on the upper portions of the plants, especially on young growing shoots. Specimens (nymphs & adults) were collected and brought to the laboratory of the Department of Entomology, B. A. College of Agriculture, AAU, Anand for detailed identification and further studies. Based on morphological characterization, the pest was identified as aphid with genus Rhopalosiphum Spp. This study represents the first report of Rhopalosiphum spp. infesting isabgol in Gujarat, India, highlighting a potential emerging pest concern for this economically important medicinal crop. Keywords: First report, Aphid, Rhopalosiphum Spp., Plantago ovata, Gujarat
This study investigated the impact of insect pests on bitter gourd crops at various sowing dates. The major pests identified were the red pumpkin beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis), leafhopper (Bothrogonia sclerotica), and aphids (Aphis gossypii), while other pests such as grasshoppers, thrips, and fruit flies had a negligible impact. Pest infestations significantly affected the crop from early growth to harvest, with pest population dynamics influenced by sowing dates. The highest aphid population (7.15 aphids per plant) was recorded at 30 days after transplanting (DAT) on the first sowing date (D1, 23rd April), while the highest mean aphid population (5.39 aphids per plant) was observed during the fourth sowing date (D4, 7th June). The red pumpkin beetle population peaked at 4.25 beetles per plant at 30 and 45 DAT during the third sowing date (D3, 23rd May), with the highest mean population of 3.21 beetles per plant recorded at D3. Similarly, leafhopper populations peaked at 45 DAT in D1, with a maximum mean population of 3.21 hoppers per hill. These findings underscore the critical role of sowing dates in pest population dynamics and highlight the importance of implementing effective pest management strategies to minimize crop losses. The study provides valuable insights for the commercial cultivation of bitter gourd, reinforcing the need for integrated pest control measures throughout the growing season.
This review explores the emerging role of insect frass as a primary organic fertilizer in sustainable agricultural systems. With the global population rising and insect farming expanding as an alternative protein source, insect frass - the excreta produced during insect rearing has gained significant attention as a valuable agricultural by product. This paper synthesizes current research on insect frass composition, its effects on soil health and plant growth, practical applications in agricultural contexts, and future research directions. Evidence suggests that insect frass is a promising component of circular economy models, offering a sustainable solution to multiple challenges in modern agriculture.
Locusts, belonging to the order Orthoptera, are short-horned grasshoppers known for their migratory habits, marked polymorphism, and voracious feeding behavior. Among the various species, the Desert Locust (Schistocerca gregaria Forsskål) is particularly notorious for forming swarms of adults and hopper bands of nymphs, causing significant devastation to both natural and cultivated vegetation. These “sleeping giants” can flare up at any time, inflicting severe damage to crops and potentially leading to national emergencies concerning food and fodder supplies. This article aims to compile all relevant information about locusts to benefit students, teachers, researchers, policymakers, and others interested in this critical subject.
Rhopalosiphum nymphaeae L. (Hem.: Aphididae) was observed infesting on lotus flowers (Nelumbo nucifera) in the farm of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Kumarakom, Kottayam, Kerala. The feeding behaviour of the nymphs and adults caused upward curling, deformation and distortion of leaves, as well as drying of flower petals and flower buds. Additionally, the secretion of honeydew by aphids led to the proliferation of sooty mould, which reduced the photosynthetic efficiency of leaves, diminished the aesthetic value of the flowers, hindered plant growth, and ultimately resulted in plant desiccation
